when designers use a product prior to releasing it to the public. A smart development term coined by Microsoft, whose PocketPC designers put their own contacts, mp3s, and email into the devices and live with them for a few weeks. Too many designers fail to user-test products prior to going public, resulting in poor interfaces. Etymology: Steve Ballmer, executive vp of sales and support at MS says that dog food companies should eat their own dog food - demonstrating that if the manufacturers can't even use the product, who can? From Software Development Online.